A massive wildfire in Ocean County that scorched more than 8,500 acres sent smoke across parts of the tri-state area Wednesday, raising air quality concerns as crews continued to battle the blaze.
The blaze comes in the middle of peak wildfire season in New Jersey, which runs through mid-May. New Jersey remains in a drought warning amid a dry stretch, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
National Weather Service meteorologist Patrick O’Hara said depending on the progress Wednesday, according to the wind patterns, smoke from the fire can possibly drift southward on Thursday into parts of Atlantic County and Monmouth County. “I don’t see it turning toward northern New Jersey, New York or western Connecticut, but it all depends on the progress they make today,” O’Hara said Wednesday.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the wildfire, which ignited Tuesday in Ocean Township, was only 10% contained as of late Wednesday morning. Driven by dry conditions and high winds, the fire prompted the evacuation of approximately 3,000 residents and threatened over 1,300 structures.
Evacuation orders were lifted and major roads — including the Garden State Parkway and Route 9 — have reopened.
Acting Gov. Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency for Ocean County on Wednesday morning, citing the fire’s rapid growth and widespread effects.
“Due to its accelerated growth, threatening more than 1,000 structures and causing power outages to over 25,000 residents, I am declaring a state of emergency,” Way said in a statement. She urged residents to remain vigilant and follow all safety advisories.